"The two hijackers have been detained in custody and interrogations are ongoing," Muscat said in a follow-up press conference, adding that "the rest of the crew and passengers are also being questioned to ascertain events."

It's understood the plane was making an internal flight in Libya from Sebha to Tripoli before it was diverted to Malta International Airport, where it landed at 11.30 am local time. Armed soldiers then surrounded it on the runway.

"The pilot reported to the control tower in Tripoli that they were being hijacked, then they lost communication with him,” a security official from Mitiga airport in Libya told Reuters. “The pilot tried very hard to have them land at the correct destination but they refused."

Described as “pro-Gaddafi,” the hijackers are believed to be in their mid-20s, from the Tebu ethnic group, which is present in southern Libya, according to Libyan MP Hadi al-Saghir who spoke to Reuters.

The pair have been named as Mosa Ali Shaha Gandio and Ahmed Ali, who Muscat described as being “probably of Libyan nationality."

Muscat confirmed the hijackers handed over a hand grenade and a pistol as part of their surrender, while a follow-up search by the armed forces resulted in the discovery of a second pistol.

Initial forensic exams found the weapons were replicas, according to Muscat.

Initial forensic exams now showing weapons used in Afriqiyah hijack are replicas.